Fabric-reinforced thermoplastics: Simulation of the forming process

The Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung in Aachen, Germany is undertaking investigations in a simulation program of the process of forming fabric-reinforced thermoplastics, in order to attain an efficient instrument for the layout of components as early as in the desing stage. The current state of the investigations provides instruments for the determination of several data crucial for industrial applications. These are fiber placement and wall thickness distribution after forming, displacement paths required, interlaminar sliding, minimum blank size required, as well as the heat transfer during forming. Current and future investigations will enhance the program's range of performance. Of particular interest are calculation of three-dimensional anisotropic temperature distribution, of the mechanical characteristic values, as well as of shrinkage and warpage behaviors. As these investigations are concluded, the designer will have a comprehensive computer-assisted engineering system at hand for the layout and dimensioning of components made of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics produced in a forming process. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.